If you are looking for a solid, well-rounded camera trap without spending a fortune; you came to the right place. The new 2012 Moultrie D55ir XT is based off of Moultrie's long standing D55ir model. The 2012 version is 1/3 the size as the old camera, has a quicker trigger time and cut the recovery time from 60 seconds to an impressive 8 seconds.

This camera can take video or still pictures and can also operate in time-lapse mode - taking photos at time intervals instead of being triggered by motion.

Detection Circuit 3.0 Stars

A 1.7 second trigger time is average to below average but the 8 second recovery time is a monumental improvement over past D55ir models.

The day pictures have beautiful color and clarity when in the proper lighting. If it is very bright outside, they tend to be a little lighter then we would like to see.

The night pictures have plenty of flash range and produce nice, clear shots for an infrared camera. In fact, the camera may have just a bit too much flash as animals close to the camera get washed out just a bit.

Battery Life 4.0 Stars

Battery life on the D55ir XT is surprisingly good. 0.19 ma is an excellent resting current draw and both the day and night current draws are low.

The daytime and nighttime draws are both good, but not extraordinary.

Estimating battery life is difficult, but with this data you can surmise 2 months of battery life.

Resting Current Draw

Daytime Power Consumption

Nighttime Power Consumption

0.19 ma

819 ma

1196 ma

ma = milliamps

The D55ir XT operates on 6 C cell batteries. They come in a nifty tray, that easily slides in and out of the camera.

Ease of Use 3.2 Stars

The case design is simple and blends in well to a variety of backgrounds. The camera does have a laser-pointer that theoretically helps the user level the camera. We found this useless as the laser does not reach more than a few feet.

Programming the camera is simple. This camera operates in typical trail camera format, time lapse format and new for 2012, hybrid mode. This simply means that in hybrid mode, the camera will be set to take photos in time intervals during the day, but will be a normal infrared camera at night - triggered by motion/heat.

Durability of the camera is improved over previous D55 models and has a manufacturer warranty of 1 year against defect.

Overall, the D55ir XT has an excellent overall rating of 3.4 stars. Great pictures, solid detection circuit and good battery life make the D55IR XT a steal for $129.